Windows Phone 8 apps will be available in 180 countries during launch

By Gene Ryan Briones on 06/28/2012

At Microsoft’s TechEd Europe event this week, Todd Brix, Senior Director for Windows Marketplace, highlighted the new Windows Phone 8 Marketplace as well as the list of new markets and moneymaking opportunities for the mobile platform. The director said that consumers will be able to browse and download apps in more than 180 countries during the launch – nearly three times the 63 markets served today. He added that developers can also submit their apps to the markets through App Hub.

In a blog post published today, Brix revealed the exact list of the markets, but noted that the list could change prior to Windows Phone 8’s official launching. Microsoft is also touting an in-app purchase capability that aims to provide a new way of making money from apps. Brix said apart from app sales, developers can also now sell virtual goods and services within the app. “In-app purchasing not only provides a supplemental revenue stream but helps extend the shelf life of the app because you can keep adding new items to keep your customers interested,” he added.